This weekend marked a significant moment in WWE history, as it was the first Saturday Night Main Event since 1992 that didn’t feature John Cena under contract. The show was loaded with exciting matches, brawls, and a climactic face-off between two of wrestling’s best performers.
As expected, the event highlighted both winners and losers. The official results page detailed who came out on top, while staff opinions highlighted varying interpretations of the night’s events. Often, the line between winners and losers blurs, as was the case for talents like Shinsuke Nakamura, Sami Zayn, Cody Rhodes, and Jacob Fatu, while others like Damian Priest and AJ Styles faced challenges. Let’s delve into the key outcomes from Saturday’s show.
### Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura
Nakamura has often been viewed as a fading star in WWE, subjected to jokes about his focus on leisurely pursuits rather than wrestling. However, his performance against AJ Styles on Saturday proved he still possesses the passion and skill that made him famous. Their match, full of intensity, finally brought closure to their long-running rivalry, showcasing Nakamura’s enduring talent. While there are concerns about his future pushes and potential roster changes, this performance highlighted that Nakamura still has plenty to offer.
### Loser: AJ Styles
AJ Styles made a smart decision to stay clear of a scripted retirement angle. Rumors suggest he might head to AEW or retire, but the last few weeks have felt somewhat underwhelming for a champion of his caliber. While his legacy is solid, facing a lackluster retirement at a less significant event feels unworthy for a talent who has changed the landscape of wrestling.
### Winner: Cody Rhodes and Jacob Fatu
The event showcased a memorable brawl rather than a conventional match, reigniting interest in the feud between Rhodes and Fatu. Rhodes appears to be on the ascent leading towards WrestleMania, while Fatu’s evolving role hints at a promising year ahead for him. WWE seems to be taking a firmer approach with Fatu, positioning him as a strong competitor against Rhodes.
### Loser: Damian Priest
With competitors like Sami Zayn and Trick Williams moving forward, Damian Priest is now overshadowed, seeming to absorb losses more than ever. Despite a strong start in WWE, his character has struggled, leaving him feeling adrift. Priest may need to re-evaluate his path to regain his footing in the ring.
### Winner: Sami Zayn
Zayn solidified his status in Saudi Arabia and looks poised for a championship opportunity. His victories over established stars have positioned him as a strong contender, potentially paving the way for him to claim the WWE Championship. With the stakes high and the momentum building, Zayn’s journey could usher in a new era in WWE.
#### Fan Take
This episode of Saturday Night Main Event is crucial for wrestling enthusiasts as it illustrates the shifting dynamics of the WWE roster, signaling new rivalries and potential championship reigns. The outcomes not only impact individual careers but also hint at how WWE plans to engage audiences in upcoming events, particularly as WrestleMania approaches.
